Planning issues are more complex than your article suggests (David v Goliath: UN tells Scotland 'help citizens fight super-rich developers', Environment news, September 10). There are conflicts between national and local interests and no agreement as to what constitutes a "community". Many people have little interest in their own areas and depend more on "networks" based on technology. Few have any interest in planning matters or have ever objected to a development application.
The idea that the main conflict is between "little people" and wealthy self-seeking "developers" is false. Over 90 per cent of "developers" are individuals, small companies or charities. The largest ones are public bodies such as Transport Scotland, Scottish Water, the NHS, universities, colleges and local authorities.
Actions of these largely determine those in the private sector. The word "environment" means different things to different people. It is widely used to justify "nimbyism". Even within the "environment lobby" there are conflicting views. Friends Of The Earth strongly favours wind farms; the John Muir Trust opposes them.
The problems cannot be best solved by allowing more appeals, which are cumbersome and costly for the taxpayer and the participants. Those wanting such are naïve to assume that they will win in most cases.
In Scotland planning appeals are decided by the Government, not by an independent body, as in Ireland, Canada and Australia. Since many approvals are a result of Government policy they are unlikely to be overturned. Even where a reporter recommends refusal, ministers can grant approval as the recent case in Stirlingshire showed.
John Munro
I am writing to compliment your excellent paper. Last weekend's was outstanding. I am aware that like myself (an SNP member) your paper supports independence. However I appreciate how you do not shy away from highlighting issues such as opposing controversial developments and the cost associated with this, especially against companies who will always be secure in comparison to local community groups (David v Goliath: UN tells Scotland 'help citizens fight super-rich developers', Environment news, September 10).
I buy the Sunday Herald every week and my Sunday would not be complete if I did not have my copy. I really appreciate the fact that you always give a very balanced view and leave it up to the reader to decide where they stand. I think the Sunday Herald is one of the best newspapers available. It is informative, funny and I always enjoy articles by Iain Macwhirter, Vicky Allan, Paul Hutcheon and Russell Leadbetter, to name a few – what a great team.
May Purcell
Port Glasgow
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